These baked sweet potato fries are the perfect healthy snack, offering a delightful balance of salty-sweet flavors and savory spices. Easy to prepare in the oven, they turn out wonderfully crispy and serve as a nutritious alternative to traditional fries.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
If you are looking for a delicious and healthy side dish, these baked sweet potato fries are a total game-changer. They are incredibly easy to make in the oven and come out seasoned to perfection with a satisfying crunch. Whether you are serving them alongside turkey burgers or enjoying them as a vegan-friendly snack, they are sure to become a household favorite. You will love how simple the cleanup is and how much better they taste than store-bought frozen options.
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into thin sticks (about 1/4″ x 3″)
- 2 Tablespoons oil (canola or olive oil)
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika or chili powder (optional for a little kick)
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for extra-crispy results)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 415°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. If you are using foil, be sure to lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a small bowl, mix together the kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (if using).
- For extra-crispy fries: Soak the uncooked sweet potato matchsticks in a large bowl of ice-cold water for 30 minutes. Drain them, pat them completely dry with a paper towel, and place them in a zip-top bag with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Shake the bag until every fry is evenly coated.
- Place the sweet potato sticks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Toss them with the oil and sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove the sheet, flip the fries over with a spatula, and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until they are crisp and golden brown.
- Serve the fries while they are hot for the best texture. Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauce like ketchup or garlic aioli!
Expert Tips
To ensure your baked sweet potato fries come out perfect every time, keep these professional tips in mind:
- Cut Evenly: One of the main keys to success is cutting the potatoes into uniform 1/4-inch thick matchsticks so they all bake at the same rate.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Make sure the fries are in a single layer with space between them. If they are crowded, they will steam and become soggy rather than crispy.
- Use a Metal Rack: If you have one, place a metal cooling rack over your baking sheet and cook the fries on top of it. This allows hot air to circulate under the fries, meaning you won’t even have to flip them.
- Oil Selection: While olive oil is great for flavor, using canola, grapeseed, or peanut oil can result in a slightly crispier edge due to their higher smoke points.
- Leave the Skin On: While peeling makes for a smoother fry, keeping the skins on adds extra fiber and nutrition, and some find it helps the fries hold their shape better.
Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 415°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. If you are using foil, be sure to lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a small bowl, mix together the kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (if using).0.5 teaspoon Kosher salt, 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper, 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder, 0.25 teaspoon paprika or chili powder
- For extra-crispy fries: Soak the uncooked sweet potato matchsticks in a large bowl of ice-cold water for 30 minutes. Drain them, pat them completely dry with a paper towel, and place them in a zip-top bag with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Shake the bag until every fry is evenly coated.4 medium sweet potatoes, 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
- Place the sweet potato sticks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Toss them with the oil and sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the top.2 Tablespoons oil
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove the sheet, flip the fries over with a spatula, and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until they are crisp and golden brown.
- Serve the fries while they are hot for the best texture. Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauce like ketchup or garlic aioli!
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make sweet potato fries crispy in the oven?
The best way to achieve a crispy texture is to soak the cut potatoes in ice water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch. After drying them thoroughly, a light coating of cornstarch before adding oil and seasonings helps create a crunchy exterior.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Preheat your air fryer to 380°F. Cook the fries for about 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. It is best to cook them in 2 to 3 batches to ensure they aren’t overcrowded.
What are the best dipping sauces for sweet potato fries?
These fries are versatile and taste great with ketchup, BBQ sauce, or ranch dressing. For a specialized treat, try a “fry sauce” made by mixing 1/4 cup of mayo with 1 1/2 tablespoons of ketchup and a dash of seasoned salt.
Are baked sweet potato fries healthy?
Yes, baking sweet potatoes instead of deep-frying them significantly reduces the calorie and fat content. Sweet potatoes are also an excellent source of Vitamin A, potassium, and fiber.